Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Monster Hunter, only how the story goes. The characters and world of Monster Hunter belongs to Capcom. The only thing that I do own are the OC's of the story. I do apologize for any errors in grammar and/or if I was not accurate in reference to something.
A/N: I know that I said that I would probably not have them back again, but after some thought on it, they were actually a nice fit. You'll see what I mean as you keep reading. Plus, a bit more action in this one.
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Chapter Fifty-Five: Pack of the Thunder Wolf
A worried Jacob looked into the Zinogre's narrowed eyes as it gave a low growl to him while keeping him pinned against the tree. The ten Fanged Wyverns that he was friends with gave screeches and roars as they started to rush up to aid their human friend. But just as the Zinogre turned its head towards them and they were about to attack, Jacob turned his head to them, held up a hand and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Stop!"
Boltia, Jupiter, Jenna, Julius, Juno, Jumpa, Junker, Joss, Jess and Juni all came sliding to a stop while the Thunder Wolf turned its head back to him. While the other ten Fanged Wyverns looked confused, the Zinogre kept its gaze on Jacob. The human then said, "I know that you're not my enemy.
"I just jumped to conclusions about earlier since it kind of looked like you were taking me against my will." He recalled how he felt when the Zinogre had snatched him earlier. The Fanged Wyvern removed its paw from the boy with a slight look of guilt. Feeling that tensions were calming down now, Jacob stepped away from the tree. Gesturing to himself he asked, "However, while there was that brief fight, you didn't eat me. And I'm grateful for that part.
"But you must have a reason for trying to bring me here, right?" His question got the Zinogre thinking and it turned to walk in a direction. When it didn't stop, Jacob took it as a sign to follow after. Boltia and the Jagras pack slowly followed after them for Jacob's safety. While he was following behind the Fanged Wyvern, the teen thought to get something over with rather quickly. Removing the stone from underneath his shirt, Jacob held it up. He lightly grimaced that he was facing the Zinogre's rear and didn't have to worry for much longer when the stone turned it's blue color. With that little question out of the way, he put the stone back out of sight.
Walking further into the clearing, the Zinogre stopped and turned to where he was facing a certain direction. Moving to where he was standing close but not too close to the Zinogre, Jacob looked around. He saw a few scuff marks next to a fallen tree. It was then that he recognized the tree from the battle with the male Deviljho months back. The teen figured that if the Zinogre was showing this, then like Ares before the training montage, he had watched the fight from a distance. Jacob looked to the Zinogre when the Fanged Wyvern turned his head to him. With a shrug he said, "Okay, so you've got some kind of problem.
"Where to?" He asked, wondering where the Zinogre would lead him. He was surprised when the Thunder Wolf Wyvern lowered himself to allow Jacob to climb on. The teen moved to get on, but was stopped when Boltia suddenly darted between them. Jacob backed away while the Zinogre rose onto his feet. The Zinogre gave her a warning growl while she screeched at him. But before they could attack each other, Jacob shouted, "Stop it!"
Both wyverns turned their heads to him, and while he was hoping that they wouldn't become mad at him, he knew that they couldn't waste any time with a turf war. Moving around Boltia towards the Zinogre, Jacob said, "This is no time for that.
"Remember what I said about them being my friends." He gestured to the Jagras pack behind them. Looking to the Zinogre he said, "Well, Zeus here is my friend as well."
The name made the Zinogre look to him in confusion when he tilted his head a little. But Jacob turned his head away and said, "There are bound to be many Zinogre in the world and I can't call just you that.
"Plus, our earlier encounter and your thunder abilities kind of inspired the name." He added with a shrug. Though the Thunder Wolf Wyvern seemed to not really like the name, Jacob didn't give them a moment to think on it, "Now, let's go and see what's going on."
He walked up to the Zinogre and the wyvern lowered himself again. Climbing onto the Fanged Wyvern's back, and sitting up at the shoulders, Jacob said, "Okay, my friend. Take me to where we need to go. And if you don't mind, please don't go so fa-"
He didn't finish his request when the Zinogre took off at full speed. Boltia looked over to the Jagras pack and they all rushed after the two. As they ran through the forest, Jacob held on for dear life and thought that he was going to throw up from all the jostling. The Zinogre weaved through trees, jumped over logs and Jacob had to duck under high branches and logs. The Zinogre soon slowed his pace and allowed Jacob to slip off. The human teen thought he was going to toss that pig leg that he had earlier as he placed a hand to his mouth and hunched over a bit. He took a deep breath to calm himself and stood straight to look around.
However, there was a smell that still nearly made him lose his dinner. Just a few yards from him and the Zinogre, were what looked to be a couple of traps. And one had something stuck in it. Jacob walked forward and gasped at the sight of what looked to be a large wyvern corpse laying on the ground. From the looks of it, it was another Zinogre, only this one had been butchered a great deal. Its fur, a number of spikes, claws and a few bones were missing. Jacob covered his nose from the overwhelming stench coming from the body. What it appeared to be caught in was some kind of wire trap.
Jacob turned his head to the other trap and found what looked to be a rather large cage. Though it was empty, there were signs that something had been in it. Looking at the dirt in the cage, he saw that it had what looked to be giant hands, kind of like an ape. Jacob didn't recall seeing anything that looked like an ape but figured that it could be in the journal. Shaking his head to get back on track, the human teen turned his attention back to the Zinogre corpse.
Memories from a certain event came flooding back and he thought of only one kind of person that would do this. His face became grim when he said, "There's a poacher around.
"Poor thing. I'm so sorry." He said as he looked at the body of the slain beast. Jacob bowed his head to say a quick prayer. While he wished that he could do something more, Jacob knew that this poacher was seriously bad news. He started looking around for any more clues. After walking a little to the side, he noticed the ape's tracks and a couple of human not too far heading away from the site. But he also noticed three sets of human tracks coming towards the traps. As the two started walking to follow the trail, the foliage started to rustle and both Jacob and the Zinogre readied themselves to fight. While Jacob calmed down at the sight of Boltia and the Jagras pack, the Zinogre was still a little wary of the ten as he narrowed his eyes. His look earned hisses from the Tobi-Kadachi and the ten Jagras. Jacob started to walk off and said, "Come on, let's see where these are coming from."
The large group of a human and a number of wyverns soon made their way down a slope and found themselves at the cove. Jacob looked around and remembered the last few times he was here. Between boarding the poacher's boat to seeing Calypso trying to hunt a short time afterwards. But he pushed the memories away when he scanned the beach. His eyes widened when he saw a hauler that had been with the Captor sitting there in the sand. It looked a little roughed up since the main vessel's destruction as the sail was torn a little and most of the hull was scratched up a little. Removing one of the Dual Blades from his back, Jacob and the Fanged Wyverns slowly made their way towards the vessel. When he was beside the boat, the teen started climbing up the side with his free hand.
When he made it onto the deck, Jacob looked around to see if anyone was around. The coast looked clear, but he knew that they would either come back at any moment or were somewhere on the boat. The human teen looked over the side when Boltia gave a worried whine. Even the Jagras pack looked a little wary as they looked at the boat. Feeling a little déjà vu, Jacob promised her, "I'll be careful, guys. And I'll be quick about it."
The Zinogre gave a sharp bark that almost felt like he was telling the boy to really hurry up. Jacob narrowed his eyes at him before turning back to the empty deck of the boat. As he walked across the wooden surface, he removed the second Dual Blade from his back and came across some stairs. Holding the weapons at the ready, he descended down the steps. He came down to what appeared to be sleeping quarters. Jacob was a little confused when he saw only three hammocks. He could only guess that there wasn't a lot of crew for this boat.
Continuing onward through the ship, Jacob noticed a work table on the far wall. His eyes widened when he saw some monster parts lying either on it or in a bucket next to the table. Figuring that this is what happened with what was taken from the Zinogre that had been butchered. Jacob tilted his head when he saw a pair of gloves sitting on the work table. Figuring that they were made from the Zinogre's taken parts, he thought that they were going to be used by or sold to the wrong kind of people. Coming a little closer, the fabric of the gloves was teal blue like the Zinogre's fur while looking like it has claws at the ends. And on the backs looked to be compartments for something. They weren't very big, more like bug-sized.
Thinking that these should be kept out of the poacher's hands, Jacob set down the Dual Blades and slipped the right glove on with ease. He had to fiddle with the mechanism for the slinger, but was able to get it connected. He flexed his fingers and found them to be a bit tight on his hands. Jacob had a feeling that the Zinogre outside might not be too keen on him wearing these, but he would cross that bridge when the time came. Continuing to look around, he found a map of what looked to be the Ancient Forest. Looking over the parchment, he saw that they had drew X's over spots, like they were looking for something. That is until he saw what looked to be the spot where the traps were. Jacob became worried when it looked like they were coming closer to the east and were getting awfully close to the Ancient Tree. And more specifically, his boat and the homes of where all the monster's that he's come to know and love live.
Knowing that he needed to stop them, Jacob was about to head for the stairs. He climbed back up onto the deck, he moved to the railing of the hauler to see the eleven Fanged Wyverns still waiting for him. Hopping over the railing, Jacob landed in a crouch in the sand. The nine Jagras were the first to rush forward and they inspected him to see if he was okay. He looked to each of them he said, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
The Zinogre noticed the boy's hands and gave a not so happy growl. Jacob lifted them to reveal the gloves made from the Zinogre. This really upset the Zinogre as he took a step towards the boy. Jacob quickly held up his hands and promised the Thunder Wolf Wyvern, "Whoa there, big guy. I'm not going to wear these for very long.
"I just want to keep them out of those jerks' hands." Jacob added as he looked over them. He wondered how exactly they worked. But Boltia suddenly turned her head to the forest and they all noticed. Jacob moved around the Zinogre and moved to stand next to the Tobi-Kadachi. They both looked towards the forest but didn't see anything. They did here something moving when they heard twigs snapping and leaves rustling.
Removing the Dual Blades from his back, Jacob made his way towards the tree line. He heard the Fanged Wyverns following from behind him as he moved under the trees. The sound of footsteps drew closer and could hear muttering coming from a little deeper in the woods. And when he could hear whom ever it was talking, the voices sounded very familiar. One of the familiar voices snapped, "Come on, you bumbler. Let's keep moving."
"You don't have to be so mean!" The other one retorted back. Thinking that this was the best way to get answers, Jacob motioned for them to stay back before looking around a tree. Sure enough, he could see the two poachers from the Captor. They looked to be trying to move through the trees, but were having a tough time pushing through the brush around them. The smaller, round poacher grumbled, "Don't know why Ishi had to take that overgrown beastie?
"Just because he's not the captain's first mate anymore, he thinks he can just take over and boss us around." He added as he pushed some leaves out of the way. The taller, thinner one said, "He was scary enough to be the captain's right hand man, and thus used it to intimidate us."
"Oh, just shut it!" The shorter one barked at his comrade. Knowing that there were more than these two, Jacob knew he needed to get more information about what was going on. Slowly coming around the trees, Jacob moved to where they would see him and casually said, "Hello there."
His arrival and words caused the two poachers to jump and turn around. When they saw Jacob standing there, the short poacher removed a small blade from the pocket on his belt and pointed the weapon at the human from another world. Narrowing his eyes he questioned, "Who in blazes are you?"
"Though you do seem a bit familiar." The taller one observed. Jacob a small shrug and said, "Fellas, I know that it's only been a couple of months, but I'm hurt that you've forgotten me so quickly."
That was enough for them as they both gave sharp gasps. The shorter poacher pointed to the teen and narrowed his eyes when he said, "You?! I remember you now! You're the one-"
"Who got your ship sunk and your captain killed, I get it." Jacob cut him off. At the reminder of their downfall, the taller of the poachers removed his weapon and they both started moving towards the teen. But Jacob remained calm when he shook his head, "I wouldn't do that if I were you, guys."
"Or what?" The shorter poacher questioned as they still moved forward. They got their answer when Jupiter and Julius came out of nowhere and pounced on the taller poacher. The man screamed as they went down in a heap. The shorter poacher moved to help his comrade, but a screech from above made him look up. He gasped when he saw Boltia gliding towards him. She curled into a ball before maneuvering to strike him with her tai. Though he moved to escape the worst of it, the poacher still ended up falling to the ground and dropping his weapon. Just as the Tobi-Kadachi stood up again, both poachers were pinned down by all nine Jagras.
Both men were greatly afraid of the Fanged Wyverns surrounding them. Jacob was quick to stop them by moving between them and held up a hand, "That's enough."
That really confused the two poachers as they looked between the teen and the beasts. Turning his attention back to the two poachers, Jacob lowered himself to their level and said, "Now, you two are going to tell me why you are here and where your friend is."
"We ain't scared of you." The shorter poacher said, trying to sound brave. But his friend looked like he was going to wet himself as Joss and Jess inched closer with a hiss. Jacob shook his head as he got a bit of déjà vu, "Oh, it's not me that you boys should be worrying about."
While they became confused by this, they grew nervous when the sounds of heavy footsteps came from behind. They slowly turned their heads back to see the Zinogre approaching behind them. Jacob was a little surprised of how quiet the Thunder Wolf Wyvern could be since he didn't hear him move. The Zinogre growled as he looked between the two and they cried out in fright. Jacob then asked, "Are you two ready to cooperate now? Because I don't know if I can hold my friend back."
"Okay, okay, we'll talk." The taller poacher whimpered. Though his friend was giving him a rather nasty look, it didn't stop him from talking, "Tarkin's traps managed to catch a Zinogre and a Rajang.
"However, you probably already know about the Zinogre, seeing that you're wearing the gloves." He shrugged, making Jacob look down to his hands. The teen looked back down to the two poachers and asked them, "Anything I should know about this Rajang that you're talking about? And why exactly were you searching close to the Ancient Tree?"
"A couple of months ago, we saw a lone Mernos flying from the Felyne's hauler. Tarkin figured that it might be you or one of them. None of the others would come with us." The taller poacher said. Shaking his head he added, "We, mostly he, came back to seek revenge against you for what had happened. He killed the Zinogre to try and fashion some armor from it to help with the Rajang that he managed to catch as well."
"All he managed to make were the gloves." The shorter one cut in when he pointed to the gloves. Then he seemed a little scared when he said, "But after making them, he seemed to go mad. Like he wasn't listening to what we were saying."
"He's going to check around the river, by where the first camp that the Research Commission set up." The taller one told him. Jacob looked away from the two and thought for a moment. Looking back he asked, "How far away is he right now?"
"About half an hour's worth by my estimate. He left us behind when he accused us of slowing down." The taller one guessed. Looking to the sun's position he said, "He'll be there by moon high if he's gotten that overgrown ape to cooperate."
"You mean, he's torturing the poor fella?" Jacob asked, feeling disgusted by the man's actions. The two poachers nodded to confirm this. The taller one seemed nervous and asked, "What are you going to do with us now?"
The question made Jacob think for a moment. Though he didn't like what these poachers had done to the Felynes, Calypso and the latest to those they've wronged, he couldn't find fault with these two. Taking a deep breath, Jacob genuinely asked the two of them, "If I were to let you go, what are you willing to do?"
"We're mostly followers. Always have been." The tall one said. Jacob then offered the both of them, "Well, are you two willing to put your criminal ways behind you and start doing some good?"
"Like what?" The shorter poacher asked with a questioning look. Jacob then said, "I know you two probably have a large bounty or something on your heads, but I'm thinking that if you give yourselves up, then that Guild you were talking about might show you some leniency, right?"
"Maybe." The taller one shrugged, while both were looking a bit unsure. Jacob looked back in the direction of the hauler and said, "Your boat's intact. But you'll have to be quick to avoid the Lagiacrus that lurks around. She tends to hunt around this time."
"Okay." The two poachers nodded in agreement. Waving for them to follow him, Jacob said, "Let's get the two of you out of here."
The two poachers quickly got up and huddled around the teen when the Fangd Wyverns growled at them. With them close to Jacob, he led them back in the direction of the hauler. The group soon came back onto the beach and found the hauler like it was. Staying behind, Jacob watched as the two poachers started walking towards the vessel. But just when they were halfway to the ship, they turned to face the teen from another world. The taller one said, "We will not forget the kindness that you have shown to us, good sir."
"I suppose that you could have just killed us. So maybe you're not that bad." The shorter one shrugged, though he looked like he was hating to admit it. Jacob then said, "Well, I just hope that you're able to take care of yourselves and start doing the right thing."
"We will." Both of them said with a nod. The taller one gestured to himself and said, "You can call me, Ragi."
"And I'm Pint." The shorter one begrudgingly said as he turned his gaze down to the sand. Jacob was surprised that they would give their names. Deciding to return the favor in a way. Gesturing to himself he said, "You can call me, Jake."
"Huh." Ragi said, a bit surprised by the name. The two men then turned and walked onto the ship. Jacob and the eleven Fanged Wyverns watched as they climbed aboard. A moment later, they were frantically working to get the ship ready to set sail just as the tide started coming in.
Jacob turned away from the departing troller and turned back to the woods of the Ancient Forest. He looked to his left to find the Zinogre moving to stand next to him. Quickly climbing onto the Thunder Wolf Wyvern's back, the Zinogre glanced to the human and Jacob said, "Let's go."
The Zinogre gave a small roar-like howl and took off. Boltia and the Jagras pack looked to each other before rushing after the two.
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Author's Note: I think I'll end this here. Next we go into battle. I may have to do some research to help with the fight, plus I got a really neat track in mind too. We're getting close to the end of this mini-arc and then we'll be getting to the next monster. I look forward to reading your reviews. Be sure to leave a comment either about if I've done something wrong or if you want something specifically to happen. See you all next time.